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Grade 9 Context Clues Worksheet with Answers

Grade 9 (US) · Year 10 (UK) · Class 9 (India) · English

Unit 3: VocabularyContext Clues & RootsCCSS L.9-10.4a

Working out the meaning of unknown words from the words around them. This free high school worksheet has 12 questions and a full answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF — every answer is checked by code, not guessed.

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Context Clues

Grade 9 · English

Score___ / 12

Name

Class

Date

Learning goal: Context Clues & Roots · CCSS L.9-10.4a

Directions: This worksheet has 2 parts. Read the instructions at the start of each part.

Example

Use context: 'I was famished, so I ate two sandwiches.' What does 'famished' mean?

Answer: very hungry

RememberContext clue types

Definitionthe meaning is given“…arid, or very dry…”Synonyma word that means the sameAntonyman opposite: unlike, butExamplesuch as, for example
Part A

Use the clues in each sentence to work out what the underlined word means.

  1. 1

    She was elated when she won — she jumped for joy.

  2. 2

    The once-thriving town became desolate after the mine closed.

  3. 3

    Unlike his talkative sister, Ben was reticent.

  4. 4

    He gave a terse reply — just one word — and walked away.

  5. 5

    The old bridge was fragile, so only one person could cross at a time.

  6. 6

    The puppy was so tiny, it fit in my palm.

  7. 7

    The scientist was meticulous, checking every number three times.

  8. 8

    The instructions were ambiguous, so half the class did the wrong page.

  9. 9

    He was so lethargic after the flu that he slept all day.

  10. 10

    The diplomat tried to mitigate the conflict by calming both sides.

  11. 11

    The desert is arid; it hardly ever rains there.

Part B

Answer each question. Use full sentences where you can.

  1. 12

    Which kind of context clue is used? 'Unlike the timid kitten, the puppy was bold.'

★ Challenge corner for fast finishers

Unscramble the letters: OGD (clue: a pet that barks)

How did I do?

Teacher's comments

Free printable worksheets with answer keys · aethelsystems.com/worksheets/english/9/context_clues

Answer key (click to show)
  1. 1.very happy
  2. 2.empty and lifeless
  3. 3.quiet / not saying much
  4. 4.short and abrupt
  5. 5.easily broken
  6. 6.very small
  7. 7.very careful about details
  8. 8.unclear / having more than one meaning
  9. 9.tired / sluggish
  10. 10.make less severe
  11. 11.very dry
  12. 12.antonym / contrast clue
  13. ★dog (challenge corner)

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How to use this worksheet

  • Use it for revision before a test, as homework, or as a timed practice set.
  • Students can self-mark with the answer key and note which question types they got wrong.
  • Generate several versions of the same topic for spaced practice in the weeks before an exam.

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More Grade 9 English worksheets

Grade 9 Greek & Latin RootsGrade 9 Literary DevicesGrade 9 Idioms & ExpressionsGrade 9 Shades of Meaning & ConnotationGrade 9 AnalogiesGrade 9 Vocabulary BuildingGrade 9 Parallel StructureGrade 9 Phrases & Clauses

Guides for teaching Context Clues

Context Clues: 5 Types with Examples (and How to Teach Them)Definition, synonym, antonym, example and inference clues — how readers work out unknown words without a dictionary, with sample sentences and a classroom routine.Literary Devices: 20 Examples Every Student Should KnowSimile, metaphor, personification, irony and more — each with a clear definition, an example, and a quick test for telling similar devices apart.Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences ExplainedA clear way to tell the four sentence structures apart, with examples and the two-question test students can use on any sentence.

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